< PreviousPartner content commercialinteriordesign.com September 2022 40 A fter a careful prequalification and tender process, BW Interiors was chosen to partner Sweid & Sweid, Visa, and Dutco Construction in the implementation of the new, state-of-the-art, Visa regional headquarters in Dubai. The importance of selecting the right partner was paramount in that this project was not executed in the traditional way where a shell and core space was handed over and the fit-out done thereafter. It required a fit-out partner with various unique abilities, flexibility and in-house subdivisions to enable the fit-out process to be done in parallel with the main construction works. An enormous amount of close coordination of work activities between base build and fit-out contractor was required and daily reviews of work sequencing was done to achieve a very ambitious program. Situated in the heart of Dubai Media City, the building and interiors is entirely bespoke to meet the modern day requirements for the world's leader and largest digital payment organisation. Designed by Gensler, the new headquarters is spread over the ground floor plus five additional floors and encompasses 9,290 square metres. The new space is designed as a hybrid working environment and is a realisation of Visa's vision of a workspace for the future where their culture of collaboration, connection and community is enhanced. Essentially the new space is a place where employees, clients and partners can seamlessly collaborate to create solutions, develop user experiences and shape new ideas. Key elements of this venue consist of G+5 floors interconnected by a monumental staircase. The entire area of the new headquarters encompasses 9,290 square metres consisting of substantial arrival experience, various areas of open plan workspace, collaboration zones, informal and formal meeting spaces, focus booth, prayer rooms, mothers' rooms, bike racks and bespoke catering areas. Particular attention was given to all detailing including flexible lighting arrangements, high level of acoustic integrity and latest technology for IT, AV and security. All works, including internal civil/ structural elements, interiors, MEP, and custom-made FF+E was provided by BW Interiors and our relevant in-house divisions, partners and suppliers. The overall design language of the space is light, spacious and airy with a lean towards less is more philosophy. All the areas are carefully considered for functionality but with comfort and accessibility in mind. Finishes range from open ceilings with specialised MEP finishes to create a slick, modern but slightly industrial look in the open workspaces. Flooring materials range from Terrazzo, resilient vinyl tile to carpet and wood in relevant areas. Sound-rated, certified and proprietary glazed partitions are used throughout. Flooring materials range from T Perfect balance of design and technical prowess CASE STUDY: VISA CEMEA HQ BY BW INTERIORS Bespoke interiors.Partner content 41 September 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com Flexible spaces and in-house subdivisions. One of the highlights of the new headquarters is the one thousand square metre innovation hub which includes immersive experience zones which allows for in situ prototyping. It also features cutting edge technology such as hyper matrix wall and purpose built briefing centres. The new space also houses VISA CEMEA's first Visa University campus. The great success of this project is testament to teamwork, client collaboration and dedication by all stakeholders to work together to deliver on our project commitments during very difficult times whilst maintaining the highest level of health and safety standards as expected by leading tier one construction and fit-out organisations in the region. nge from Terrazzo, vinyl, carpet and wood. Open space design.Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com September 2022 42 OPINION A s we live in a post-pandemic world, one of the main changes that we are all adapting to is the shift towards mobile working. Whilst it was a movement that was undoubtedly gaining momentum long before the world knew what PCR tests were, nothing accelerates a trend more than necessity. Although forced upon us at the time, the lines between the offi ce and home have become blurred, and we as interior designers are being challenged to think of new ways to combine the two. A third space, equally positioned between the two, has the relaxed and casual feel of home, yet the energy and buzz of an offi ce environment. A space that is fl uid and open, yet private when needed. It's something that we are increasingly being briefed on. In today’s societal norms, an apartment block isn’t functional without a communal space, an offi ce isn’t creative enough without breakout areas, and a hospitality space now must be hospitable to work instead of just leisure. Creating a multi-dimensional space is a challenge that we love. At the Mall of the Emirates, for example, we’ve recently designed two lounges that are as suitable for a working session over a coffee, as they are for a private dining experience to impress clients. And with many offi ces reducing their offi ce spaces, or indeed getting rid of them all together, membership costs to lounges can in many cases be viable. The invite-only Cle D’or lounge pays homage to the latest trends in fashion and creativity, with stylish furniture pieces deliberately clustered together to create a chic and refi ned hub. Meanwhile, at The 9, a lounge located inside Kempinski, we’ve created a space with a holistic range of social, business, and lifestyle facilities, with members able to utilise meeting spaces, F&B offerings, a games room, and should they require an afternoon power nap, even a sleeping suite. Resorts too are ever-changing. Both domestic and international travelers have started to take advantage of their workplace fl exibility by blending work, exploration, and leisure. Last year we completed the design of Vida Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain, with a focus to create a stimulating atmosphere with socially responsible spaces throughout. At the heart of this project lies a co- working space blended perfectly into the lobby, with coastal patterns and accents of blues and beige refl ecting the sea, sand, and natural surroundings; perfect for Designing social spaces for mobile working Husain Roomi, Co-Founder of H2R Design keeping calm after even the most stressful of meetings. However, it’s not just colour palettes and fabric swatch books that must be considered, above all a space needs to be as practical as it is visual. Simple things like designing the layout of furniture around power sources or using a soundproofi ng material in meeting rooms are fundamental to the success of any co- working space. For co-working to continue to thrive, people must be as productive as they were in the offi ce, and we as interior designers have an important role to play. The 9 lounge provides a holistoc experience.Suppliers – partitions commercialinteriordesign.com September 2022 44 Level 11, Marina Plaza, Dubai, UAE 971 4 563 1300 action.gcc@optimasystems.com www.optimasystems.com DAFZA, Dubai, UAE +971 56 464 8618 www.en.clestra.com Clestra Hauserman Flexible & modular F ounded in the early 1900s, Clestra Hauserman has had a regional presence in MENA for more than 40 years. The French firm designs, manufactures and installs prefabricated, removable or demountable office partitions and acoustic pods. Whether these are made in steel, glass, wood or composite materials, Clestra Hauserman systems have always been the worldwide reference in the field. Pictured is its FIZZ BOX range; flexible and modular acoustic screens that offer excellent insulative and absorptive qualities along with plenty of space. The standard sizes can accommodate one to six people and are completely transformable, moveable and reusable. Optima Partitions Unique solutions O ptima Partitions is an expert in acoustics and in the supply and installation of independently tested, fi re-rated products. All of the systems are designed, manufactured and installed with care, precision and expertise to create a truly special environment. Optima has been operating in the UAE since 2008 and says it is the only supplier of its type to have its own dedicated showroom and sound laboratory, which can be found in the Dubai Marina area. With direct control over the process, Optima's teams often work together to provide unique solutions to specifi cation challenges. One such product is the Adaptable Meeting Room, a demountable workspace that is a versatile freestanding meeting room, which is cleverly designed to fi t into any space.www.sanipexgroup.com CID ME FP 205mmX275mm Template.indd 28/22/22 1:57 PMWorld view commercialinteriordesign.com September 2022 46 AND COMBINING CREATIVITY WELLNESS Photo credit: Kenneth Chao WORLD VIEW via Offi ce in Hong Kong – merging social workspaces with an art gallery 47 September 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com World view commercialinteriordesign.com September 2022 48 P ost pandemic workspaces are all about creating social spaces for healthy interactions – something that we collectively missed during Covid. Offi ces are looking to create these resimercial spaces without compromising on design or employee satisfaction. Housed in a New York-style brick building, Contempo is the design offi ce of via, a well—known Hong Kong based fi rm. The studio transformed a former industrial space into a hybrid work and creative environment spanning nearly 10,000 sqft over two fl oors. The new design-led offi ce merges social workspaces with an art gallery to prioritise collaboration and staff engagement. Designed to promote a sense of community and to inspire ingenuity, the offi ce merges versatile and fl uid work zones with social spaces, drawing on a subtle palette and understated colours to create a relaxed and cohesive environment. Balancing act The main workspace is located on the lower fl oor, framed by galvanized steel partitions, with an emphasis on creating a balance between fl exible and stationary experiences. To facilitate varying work fl ows and team dynamics, solo work stations are coupled with smaller break—out areas and workshop tables to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration — an approach that is deeply rooted in the studio’s culture. A long corridor separates other work functions on the lower fl oor — such as a private meeting space — and visually connects the all—inclusive material library at the back with the lush outdoor terrace. Alongside green views, the light-fi lled café is a place for staff to socialise, or to unwind and disengage from their work, combining a relaxed lounge and a spacious common area where a dynamic set-up accommodates dining, seminars – or even fi lm screenings. The barista-style bar is constructed from three-metre-long travertine, creating a visual anchor for the space, while adding tactility to this focus element of the project. Corridor separates solo work stations from other functional spaces. Open-planned space incorporates different seating options.World view 49 September 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com Artistic respite The two studio fl oors are linked by a feature staircase, lined entirely in warm Scandinavian timber and crafted with a double-layered, angular balustrade. Contempo’s upper level is a multi- purpose gallery and event space. Conceived as an extension of the workspace to showcase the team’s artistic talents, and to welcome creative partnerships. The gallery houses commissioned artworks alongside sculptural pieces and furniture designs. Internal swing and sliding doors ABOUT VIA. Established in 2009, via. is an interdisciplinary architecture and interior design practice based in Hong Kong. Led by founder and principal, Frank Leung, the studio's award-winning portfolio includes residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural projects throughout Asia. The studio's designs are imbued with an emotional resonance tailored to each project's locale, purpose, and aspirations. fl exibly turn the space into a standalone venue for exhibitions or intimate dinners, free from the distractions from other work areas. A striking retail display showcases the range of lifestyle goods developed by the studio’s artistic arm, one k edition, and is set in the corner of the gallery with textured green walls and terrazzo fl oor. Utilising in-house talent All fi xed inventory within the offi ce was designed in-house, from walls and shelves upholstered in fabrics, kitchen units, cabinets and storage to crafted details such as milled wood door handles. Demonstrating a passion for authentic craft and function, the furniture range includes contemporary classics from Artek, Karimoku Case Study, Nikari, and Benjamin Hubert’s collection, as well as bespoke pieces that are touched up by Kvavdrat fabrics. Wall niche highlights a series of models. The café is a casual spot for dining and socialising.Next >